Which activities require additional approvals from Authorities?
We all know that whenever you plan to set up a business in Dubai, you must head straight to The Department of Economic Development (DED) and get initial business approval. It’s a standard procedure.
But do you know that certain economic activities require special or additional approvals from authorities?
Prospr wants to keep its customers well-informed regarding every step involved in getting a commercial license in Dubai. Therefore, we have created a dedicated post highlighting all the civic bodies that have provided additional approvals for business setup in Dubai.
Restaurants/cafeterias/coffee shops
Do you want to start your cafe business in the UAE or a coffee shop or restaurant? The food business is always trending all over the UAE because it attacks hundreds of tourists yearly. Although you can get a cloud kitchen license within one day, setting up a proper restaurant and cafe requires many steps. Authorities perform inspections to ensure that your cafe or food business meets quality standards. Your end goal is to get a no-objection certificate after inspection.
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Here are two special requirements you need to meet to get a professional license for your cafe, coffee shop, or restaurant:
Location
- It would help if you designated more than 200 square feet of area for this business.
- There must be proper space for cooking alongside the required equipment
- You need to set up storage areas, washroom, and waste disposal areas
- The area must be clean and have no pest
- Your food business must have separate wash basins for vegetables, meets, and utensils.
- Ensure all walls, floors, and roofs are non-absorbent and washable.
- You need to create a blueprint of your space that specifies where windows are placed, where exits and entry areas are located, and what area is designed to prepare and store food.
Food safety
- Another primary concern of the food business is its safety. Before you get additional approvals, you need to get
- Additional permits for handling and serving non-halal items such as pork or alcohol
- It’s vital to have a vehicle permit that you will use to transport food products.
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Whose approval is required?
If your restaurant or cafe is in a hotel, you need to get special approval from Dubai Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM)
You will get food safety and public safety approvals from Dubai Municipality (DM)
2-Electronic cigarettes and accessories trading
The trend of e-cigarettes is high everywhere; the same is true about Dubai. You need additional approvals if you plan to sell vapes and their accessories. Although vapes are considered safer than cigarettes, they harm your health in specific ways. Therefore, authorities require you to issue some warnings as you do in the case of cigarettes and tobacco. You need to obtain a commercial license to sell e-cigarettes in the UAE.
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Requirement
- Traders must issue health warnings for public safety
- It would help if you had set up shop for this business; a certificate is a must.
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Whose approval is required?
You need to seek an initial NOC from a relevant DED official. After that, you need to head to the Narcotics Department of Dubai Municipality and Emirates Standardization and Meteorology Authority (ESMA) for additional approvals.
3-Trading and installation of Wired/Wireless telecommunications equipment
Technology is the most crucial aspect of Dubai’s rich lifestyle, and wired and wireless connections are a must for nonstop connectivity. So, you plan to set up a past telecommunication business. In that case, you need to get a commercial license to trade the equipment that helps transfer data, voice, text, etc., through m, Obile, and other devices. You must obtain a professional license to install wiring or installation connections in the UAE.
Requirement
Devices must meet technical standards.
Imported equipment should not interfere with the network or cause any damage.
You must have a commercial shop.
Whose approval is required?
You need to get type approval from the Telecommunication Regulatory Authority (TRA)
4-Selling, trade or serving of non-halal products
Non-halal products are prohibited in Islam and Middle Eastern countries; however, Dubai is the ultimate residence of expats, where 80 percent of the population consists of foreigners; thereby, trading and handling of non-halal products such as pork and alcohol. Supermarkets need to get special approval for these products. A liquor trading license is required to store, trade, or handle alcohol.
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Requirement
- If you are going to sell pork meat and related non-halal products in a supermarket, you just need to designate a separate section of at least 232 sqm away from the regular products. It’s vital also to appoint exceptional staff to handle pork products and control the freezer.
- If restaurants plan to serve pork in their meals, they need to clearly specify that on their menu pages in English and Arabic.
- Only four- and five-star restaurants can serve alcohol.
- Advertising for the sale of alcoholic products is prohibited.
Whose approval is required
- You must get approval from Dubai Police General Headquarters (DPGH) for selling liquor.
- For trade of pork and related items, get initial approval from DED and additional approvals from Dubai Municipality from the Food Safety and Public Safety Departments.
5-Jewellery/luxury goods trading
International shoppers and locals are quite interested in luxury goods. If you plan to start a jewelry or luxury business in UAE, like selling antiques, then additional approvals are a must for your commercial license.
Requirement
Your store space should be at least 150 to 200 sqft
You must install a security alarm and surveillance camera
Hiring a security guard is a must
Whose approval is required?
You need to get special approval from the Security Industry Regulatory Authority (SIRA)
6- Women/gents haircutting & hairdressing salons
Whether you plan to set up a hair salon for men or women, you must seek additional approvals from the authorities. This specific business requires a professional license.
Requirement
- You must have a salon with a minimum space of 200 sq ft
Whose approval is required?
You will get DED initial approval in the Commercial compliance and consumer protection sector. Next, you need to seek additional approvals from the Dubai Municipality’s health and public safety department.
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7-Educational services/support services
Tons of business activities come under these umbrella terms. Whether you set up a training center to help students with their examinations or not, the university must acquire a professional UAE business license. Private tutoring is illegal in the UAE.
Requirement
- You will provide the list of educational services that you plan to offer
- Deliver supported certification
- You must provide proof of your affiliation with local or foreign institutes.
Approvals
When it comes to setting up an educational business in Dubai, you need to get additional approvals from the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA)
Let Prospr help you get all the additional approvals you need for business setup in Dubai.
As a foreigner, you already have much to understand about the UAE. So, why waste your time in bureaucratic offices and networks? Prospr’s business consultants are ready to facilitate the store and business setup process in Dubai. Consider seeking legal or professional advice for navigating the complexities of setting up a business Dubai. Always consult the official websites of the mentioned authorities (DED, Dubai Municipality, etc.) for the most up-to-date information on additional approvals and requirements.
Whether you want to start your own telecommunication trading business or a cafe, we can help. Please send us your inquiries to hello@prosprplus.ae.
